Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the area.
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Last updated on Feb 3rd, 2026
Recent Activity
Participation in industry conferences (Mar–Apr 2026)
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership will attend five major conferences from mid March through late April, including ABLC 2026 and Hannover Messe, to promote regional strengths in advanced manufacturing, energy, hydrogen, and sustainable chemistry. Organizations are invited to connect via the team's page to arrange meetings, introductions, or partnership conversations at these events.
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CRA tax help webinar for newly self-employed
CRA liaison officers are hosting an online webinar for newly self employed people and small businesses on March 25 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, covering common tax errors, financial benchmarks, CRA services, and bookkeeping best practices. Register at https://simpli.events/e/CRA-T1-Mar25 to reserve a spot and get direct answers from CRA staff about your business tax questions.
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B2B Resource Night 2026
B2B Resource Night 2026 in Sarnia-Lambton on March 31 offers a practical AI panel from 2 to 3 PM and a trade show from 3 to 6 PM with more than 40 local service providers. Registration is free at https://b2bresource.ca, panel attendees receive over $1,000 in AI tools, and exhibitors will give away more than $10,000 in business focused prizes.
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Business Bus Tour
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosted a Business Bus Tour connecting Lambton College business students with LamSar Inc., Toolrite Engineering Ltd., and The Insignia Hotel to showcase employer operations and career pathways. The visit is designed to help emerging talent learn about industry needs and build professional connections within Sarnia-Lambton.
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Small Business Grant Program Announcement
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is accepting online applications for the Small Business Grant Program through April 10, 2026, offering up to $4,000 to ten local businesses to strengthen operations or support growth. If your small business is in Sarnia Lambton, review eligibility and apply at the program website before the April 10 deadline.
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Employee Appreciation Day recognition and team roles
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership recognizes its staff for Employee Appreciation Day on 2026-03-06, spotlighting roles in investment attraction, workforce development, business support, and marketing and operations. Visit the team page to meet the people helping position Sarnia-Lambton as a strong place to live, work, and invest.
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Volunteer Director position
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is recruiting one Volunteer Director for a three year term, open to applicants who reside in or own a business in Lambton County. Applications are being accepted through April 10, 2026; see the media release at https://ow.ly/UXsx50Ykeri for eligibility and application instructions.
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Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) intake — round 7
Ontario is accepting applications for O AMP round 7, offering up to $150,000 or 50 percent of eligible project costs to help small and medium sized automotive parts suppliers modernize. The program encourages AI related proposals and has an application deadline of April 16, 2026; contact (519) 332 1820 or email contact@sarnialambton.on.ca for application help.
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March SLEP newsletter
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership published the March SLEP newsletter on 2026-03-04, compiling updates on business growth, workforce development, and regional advocacy for the Sarnia Lambton region. Subscribe at https://bit.ly/SLEPNewsletter to receive the full roundup and locally relevant opportunities directly in your inbox.
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Open House: Ultimate Coders Sarnia
Ultimate Coders Sarnia hosts a family friendly Open House on Sunday, March 8 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 527 Murphy Road, Unit 202. Kids ages 5 to 18 can try beginner friendly coding activities, robotics challenges, and watch 3D printing demonstrations; visit the free trial class page or call 226-778-3111 to learn more.
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CRA T2 Webinar for Newly Self-Incorporated & Small Corporations
CRA liaison officers will host a live webinar for newly self incorporated and small corporations on March 11, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM to cover common tax errors, industry financial benchmarks, CRA services, and bookkeeping best practices. The session is aimed at newer small businesses and potential start ups, and you can register at https://simpli.events/e/CRA-T2-Mar11.
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Sarnia-Lambton Small Business Grant Program
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership launched a Small Business Grant Program awarding ten grants of up to $4,000 to eligible Lambton County businesses. Applications are open online until April 10, 2026, so local business owners should review the program page and apply before the deadline.
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2026 Summer Company program
Students ages 15 to 29 in SarniaLambton can apply now for the 2026 Summer Company program through SLEP's Business Enterprise Centre, which offers training, mentorship, and up to $3,000 in grant funding to launch a summer business. The program is designed to help you test an idea, earn income, and gain practical skills that transfer to future careers.
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Polaris Pitch Competition recap
At the Polaris Pitch Competition on 2026-02-24, Michele Romanow urged founders to iterate as she delivered the keynote. Liwordson Vijayabalan of Shack won the Five Minute Pitch, while Jordan Huzevka and Hui Huang Hoe represented their startups in the One Minute Pitch; founders can connect with the SLEP Business Enterprise Centre for free confidential advisory services.
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Business Coffee Chat
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosts its monthly Business Coffee Chat on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 9 to 11 AM at The Lazy Wave Coffee Collective in Petrolia. Drop in to connect with Partnership staff, learn about local programs and supports, and meet other entrepreneurs in the Sarnia-Lambton community.
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Feature on workforce advantage for energy and advanced manufacturing
A National Post feature published on 2026-02-24 explains how Sarnia Lambton is building on a skilled workforce, infrastructure, and industry partnerships to attract investment in energy and advanced manufacturing. The piece is aimed at long term investors and regional stakeholders, and the full article is available on the National Post website.
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CanExport SMEs funding program
CanExport SMEs provides Canadian small and medium enterprises competitive cost sharing for export related activities, with successful projects eligible for up to $50,000. Applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis, and applicants can contact Sarnia Lambton Economic Development Officers at (519) 332 1820 or contact@sarnialambton.on.ca for application support.
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Sarnia-Lambton SkillUp: Youth Ready
On February 18, 2026, 25 students completed Sarnia-Lambton SkillUp: Youth Ready and earned Basic Safety Orientation accreditation through a program delivered by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership with BASES. The one day training focused on hazard recognition, workplace rights, safe work planning, teamwork, and mental health awareness, giving students a credential that strengthens resumes for local employment and co op placements.
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Summer Company Program
Summer Company, delivered through SLEP's Business Enterprise Centre and promoted by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, supports students aged 15–29 with structured training, one-on-one mentorship, and (per the published text) up to $3,000 of grant support; applications for the 2026 program are open (see sarnialambton.on.ca/summercompany).
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IDEA Leadership Academy webinar - Effective leadership
The IDEA Leadership Academy is hosting a free live webinar on Thursday, 2026-02-26 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM that addresses recruitment, retention, collaboration, knowledge transfer, and leading across generations. Designed for managers and HR professionals and delivered with Dr. Janelle Abela, the session includes a CPHR CPD eligible certificate; register at the Sarnia-Lambton event page.
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Monthly Business Support Newsletter
Subscribe to the Monthly Business Support Newsletter from Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership for updates on business supports, workforce initiatives, and investment opportunities.
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7 Blind Spots Entrepreneurs Webinar
Join the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership on February 23, 2026, for a free webinar on the seven blind spots entrepreneurs should know while building and exiting their business, featuring expert insights from Peter Walker.
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Health & Safety for Small Businesses Webinar
Join the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership for a free Health & Safety for Small Businesses Webinar on February 18, 2026, covering essential responsibilities and resources for employers.
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Business Support Networking Event
Join the Business Support Networking Event on February 11, 2026, at Love Buzz Coffee in Sarnia to connect with fellow business owners and explore available supports.
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Summer Student Positions
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership is hiring Summer Student Coordinators for economic development roles, with applications due by March 2, 2026.
